Sub·mit (Verb) Let Go, Let God!預覽

GOD REQUIRES SUBMISSION 

Sovereign God, who has the supreme power, wisdom, and authority to do anything he chooses within his creation, requires submission from all people, Christians especially. God is in control, and his will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Jesus himself never hesitated from submitting to God. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus was tired, hungry, and weak from fasting for forty days. Although he faced the total onslaught of Satan's provocation to sin to derail God's plan to redeem humanity, Jesus stayed the course, in perfect obedience to his father. 

Nothing Satan offered prompted Jesus to waiver from obeying God. Jesus overcame Satan's temptations three times by remembering his father’s word each time and finally said, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" (Matthew 4:10 NIV). 

Jesus' ultimate demonstration of complete surrender and unswerving submission to his father was on the cross. There, sinless Jesus submitted to his father’s sovereign and merciful plan of salvation. 

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus knew he would soon experience extreme physical pain on the cross, separation from the father, and death for the sins of the world. His soul was overwhelmed with sorrow. He agonized, falling with his face to the ground, and prayed, "My father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39 NIV). Jesus humbled himself by becoming wholly obedient to the point of death. 

How much more then should you submit to God and his plans for you? God has plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future! How much more should you yield to God's authority and will? James 4:6-8 NIV tells us that God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. When we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil, the devil will flee from us, and when we come near to God, he will come near to us. We are never left alone in our battles and struggles. Yield to God's word, the sword of the Spirit, as Jesus did in the wilderness. Be strong—not in yourselves but in submission to God's power and infinite resource. Are you ready to let go and surrender to the one who took your place on the cross and can supply your every need?  

 

The Wiedmann Bible Illustration shows Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane on the left side of the picture. The center of the image shows Jesus falling with his face to the ground. On the lower right, we see his disciples sleeping, although he told them to keep watch. (Matthew 26:36-40 NIV).